ON THE WHISTLE MATCH REPORT

TWO changes to the Burton Albion side that beat Sheffield United 1-0 on Tuesday. Rested were Tom Naylor and Stuart Beavon as they were replaced by Callum Reilly and Mason Bennett respectively.

GOAL: The home side took the lead just 14 minutes into the game. Burton had the ball in a good attacking move going forward but one mis-placed pass gifted Crewe the ball in which Bakayogo crossed in from the left which hit Cansdell-Sherriff and ricocheted onto Haber for a tap in. 1-0

Akins and Bennett had a great chance to equalise on the 25 minute mark. Robbie Weir sprayed a super ball out to Lucas Akins on the left who drove into the box and tried a shot which deflected into the path of Mason Bennett but he couldn't get any contact on the ball to turn it home.

GOAL: It was that man Lucas Akins that put Burton Albion level with 10 minutes until half time! Mark Duffy skilfully beat two players down the right before providing the cross fro Lucas Akins who tried a back-heel at first but luckily he was presented with a second chance to shoot at goal and he didn't waste this shot - the ball found it's way under Garratt in the Crewe goal. 1-1

Tom Hitchcock was given a good opportunity out of nothing with 5 minutes until the break. Perry Ng played a wonderful ball from the full-back position which was well controlled by Hitchcock who then turned past Mousinho but fired over McLaughlin's bar.

HT: Crewe Alexandra 1-1 Burton Albion

The Brewers didn't hold back early in the second half. Duffy swung in a corner from the left which Cansdell-Sherriff directed towards goal but saw his effort blocked before Butcher shot at goal but the Crewe stopper Garratt parried it away and the home side cleared.

Callum Reilly made way for Stuart Beavon just over the hour mark and with a change of formation the Brewers all of a sudden looked a lot more lively winning a succession of corners and they were unlucky to not find the back of the net as Garratt came to punch the ball but he forgot to chalk his cue which saw the ball head in the direction the Crewe stopper didn't intend to send it.

Mason Bennett was next to come off as he made way for former-Derby County team mate Tom Naylor on 75 minutes.

There was a scare for the Brewers as a long ball into the box was nodded down by Haber and it fell to Inman's feet but his shot was acrobatically headed wide by Edwards.

Phil Edwards tried an over head kick in the opposition box, only to find his boot land on Guthrie's head which caused a lengthy stoppage in play. Guthrie eventually went off on a stretcher, we wish him well.

Young Hamza Choudhury was thrown on in the 98th minute to finish the remaining 3 minutes of the game, he replaced Calum Butcher.